If you struggle with excess tissue or fat in your chest, you may suffer from gynecomastia–a common condition in men causing enlarged breasts. Winter Park Plastic Surgery offers male breast reduction surgery for those suffering from gynecomastia to improve their appearance and boost self-esteem.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the breasts in men. The breasts grow more unevenly due to low testosterone or an imbalance in estrogen levels. While Gynecomastia is benign, it can cause lower self-confidence and be a source of insecurity in many men. In some cases, patients feel some pain in their breasts.Â
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Various factors may cause gynecomastia, some more naturally occurring than others. Some may be caused by natural changes in hormones, particularly in puberty. These cases typically resolve themselves within six months to two years. Certain medications may contribute to the development of gynecomastia, such as:
- Anti-androgens for enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, and other conditions
- Anabolic steroids and androgens for hormone deficiencies, delayed puberty, and muscle loss
- AIDS medications
- ADHD medications such as Adderall
- Anti-anxiety medications such as Valium
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Antibiotics
- Some ulcer medications
- Chemotherapy
- Heart medication such as digoxin and calcium channel blockers
- Stomach-emptying medications
Recreational drugs may also cause gynecomastia, such as:
- Alcohol
- Anabolic steroids to build muscle and enhance performance
- Amphetamines
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Methadone
Lastly, certain medical conditions may also contribute to developing gynecomastia, such as:
- Hypogonadism (from Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary insufficiency)
- Natural aging
- Tumors
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Cirrhosis
- Malnutrition or starvation
- ObesityÂ
Medical conditions can affect your hormonal levels and cause the enlargement of breasts.Â
How Can I Treat Gynecomastia?
Most cases of gynecomastia resolve on their own as your hormones naturally rebalance. Dr. Scott Greenberg may recommend male breast reduction surgery for more severe cases.Â
Gynecomastia surgery may only require liposuction for those struggling with excess fat. Dr. Scott Greenberg loosens and removes fat with a cannula. For those with excess skin and breast tissue, Dr. Scott Greenberg may remove the tissue and reposition the nipple or reduce the size of your areola through an excision.Â
Depending on the cause of your gynecomastia and current physical appearance, you may require a combination of both treatments during your surgery.
How To Know I Know If I Have Gynecomastia
The best way to know is through an exam from a healthcare professional. At Winter Park Plastic Surgery, we use a physical exam to determine if you have gynecomastia. To rule out other diseases or conditions, you may require blood tests, urine tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy. Some tests will not be necessary for diagnosis.
What Results Can I Expect from Male Breast Reduction?
You will experience a difference in your chest appearance with final results in 3-6 months. Most cases have permanent results, but gynecomastia caused by drugs, medications, or weight gain will return if you continue using the substances or do not maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about gynecomastia, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137
*Individual results may vary
